# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
10 - 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
→ Mix-Ins
11 - 1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries, halved
12 - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, plus extra for topping
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
05 - Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternated with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined.
06 - Gently fold in cherries and sliced almonds, reserving a few cherries for topping if desired.
07 - Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the surface, then sprinkle with extra almonds and reserved cherries.
08 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
09 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
